Wallpaper Designs for High Traffic Areas

The Art Deco period of the 1920s and 30s was all about glamour, opulence, and modern sophistication. It was a time of celebration, defined by bold structures, rich materials, and a belief in progress. Today, this style is still a favourite for interiors because it gives a room an immediate sense of grandeur and history. One of the most effective ways to get this specific look is by using wallpaper.

What Makes a Wallpaper "Art Deco"?

When you think of the 1920s, you might picture scenes from The Great Gatsby. This is the exact feeling that Gatsby wallpaper aims to capture. This style is not about quiet, subtle patterns. It is confident and theatrical.

The main features you will see are:

Symmetry: Art Deco patterns are almost always balanced and orderly.
Bold Lines: Whether they are straight, curved, or angular, the lines are strong and clear.
Repeating Motifs: Common designs include sunbursts, fans, chevrons, and stepped shapes.

This style was a rejection of the flowing, natural patterns that came before it. It was about embracing the new, modern, machine-age world.

The Importance of Geometric Patterns

The most recognisable feature of this style is its use of shapes. When you shop for geometric art deco wallpaper, you will find countless variations of fans, triangles, and arcs. These patterns are structured and mathematical, which gives them a very intentional and designed feel.

This is different from other patterned papers. For instance, a small floral print might feel busy, but a large-scale Geometric wallpaper often feels organised and purposeful. The repetition is part of its appeal. It gives the eye a strong pattern to follow, which can make a wall feel taller or wider.

This focus on sharp angles and repeating shapes is what separates it from most Traditional wallpaper styles, which tend to rely on organic scrolls and floral bunches.

Finishes That Spell Luxury

A key part of the Art Deco look is the use of rich materials. The 1920s loved high-shine surfaces, from polished chrome to gleaming marble. To get this effect on your walls, the finish of the paper is very important.

Many designs in this style are a form of metallic wallpaper. They feature inks with a gold, silver, bronze, or copper sheen. These metallic elements catch the light in the room, making the wall shimmer. This interaction with light is what really gives the paper a high-end, expensive feel. You can find papers that are subtly lined with metal, or full-on metallic backgrounds that make a very bold statement. This is the heart of what makes it a luxury art deco wallpaper; it’s not just about the pattern, but also the reflective quality of the surface.

Modern Style with a Vintage Feel

You don't need to live in a period home to use this style. In fact, many people are using it in very current ways. A modern art deco wallpaper might take the classic fan shape but print it in today's popular colours, like navy blue with gold, or blush pink with copper.

Designers also play with scale. A pattern that might have been small in the 1930s could be blown up into a huge, large-scale print for a feature wall. This gives you the best of both worlds: you get the built-in sophistication of a classic design, but in a size and colour that feels fresh. It’s the perfect retro wallpaper because it feels both vintage and fashionable at the same time.

How Art Deco Differs From Other Ornate Styles

It's easy to group all "fancy" wallpapers together, but they have key differences. For example, many people associate luxury with Damask Wallpaper. This style is also old and ornate, but its luxury comes from a different place. Damask is based on flowing, woven floral and leaf motifs, often with a soft, embossed texture.

Art Deco is the opposite. Its luxury comes from sharp, man-made, repeating geometry. Where damask is soft and organic, Art Deco is hard-edged and symmetrical. Both are beautiful, but they provide very different feelings in a room.

Using Art Deco in Your Home

If you are thinking about using art deco wallpaper, the easiest way to start is with a feature wall. Because the patterns are so strong, they are perfect for a wall behind a sofa or a bed. This gives the room a powerful focal point without overwhelming the space.

Pair the wallpaper with other textures that fit the period. Velvet upholstery, mirrored furniture, and brass or gold light fixtures all work very well with these patterns. By balancing the bold pattern with these rich materials, you can assemble a room that feels both luxurious and completely timeless.